Credit where it’s due: Young & Restless may have just salvaged its AI story, which has thus far had been a miss from soup (that’s not how AI works) to nuts (Phyllis trusting Victor? Puh-lease!). In the December 18 episode (recapped here), the show turned the plot into something to which we could actually relate. After Adam and Chelsea publicly revealed that Jabot had gone offline — although how Jack or anyone else expected people not to notice is a head-scratcher — the former con artist had a beautifully written attack of conscience.

Related Story

Young & Restless’ Melody Thomas Scott Shares Her Christmas Miracle: ‘Santa Must Have Known’ — Plus, What’s Next for Nikki

“People are going to lose their livelihoods because of what we did,” she pointed out to Adam. “Careers will be ruined. Families will be torn apart. And for what? Why? Because Victor can’t stand the thought of Jack Abbott existing on this planet?”

It was a gorgeously scripted mini-monologue and one that really hit home. How many of us don’t live in constant fear of the decisions being made in our companies’ corner offices by bigwigs who have no idea who we even are? Jack’s loco Hail Mary to save Jabot put the whole company at risk — and without a single discussion with anyone below the pay grade of High Exalted Executive. No “Hey, single mother of two, do you think we should take this gamble with your future?” No “So dude recovering from chemo, you wanna roll the dice on this, come what may?” Nothin’.

Chelsea’s speech drove home that, while even the end of Jabot wouldn’t much change the Abbotts’ lives — they’re rich enough to live high off the hog in perpetuity, swinging from parachutes that aren’t golden but platinum — they do have a company full of employees who will suddenly find themselves on the unemployment line. (Good luck paying for insurance next year! Or gas! Or groceries!)

What would have really sold the twist would have been if we had ever met any of Jabot’s staff. But Young & Restless lost interest in “the little people” eons ago. If you don’t just bop from one corner office to the next, there’s no room for you on this canvas. Even out-of-work Audra is apparently so well off that she isn’t fussed about how she’s going to cover next month’s rent. (That is, if she lives long enough for rent to come do!)

But at least Chelsea’s speech was a step in the right direction: a small acknowledgement that the actions those in power take have a major impact on those below their station. Do you agree? On your way to the comments, see what’s on your favorite characters’ Christmas wish lists this year — or should be — in the below photo gallery.